Exercise core bar

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a versatile exercise device and a method for using the device. The device is comprised of a bar having a handle on one end while the other end provides for attaching a weight. The method for using the device broadly ranges from attaching multiple different weights and using the bar in various positions.

PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of priority of ProvisionalApplication 60/630,211.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to exercise equipment and moreparticularly to an improvement in exercise equipment which provides animproved approach to physical fitness, sports conditioning, training,rehabilitation, etc.

Heretofore, exercise equipment tended to be specialized and limited intheir use. For example, a solid bar with suitable collars located at thetwo opposite ends is typically used only for working out with only freeweights. Equipment that provided for increased resistance to certainmovement was limited, with a series of devices needed for a completebody workout.

The present invention is an exercise core bar that, as will beexplained, permits the user greater flexibility in selecting theparticular exercises and further provides the opportunity to work withdifferent muscle groups when compared to known equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exercise bar with a weight retainingcollar removed for clarity;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged illustration of the handle end of the exercise barshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is a further enlarged illustration of the handle end of theexercise bar;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged illustration of the second end of the exercise barshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a further enlarged illustration of the second end of theexercise bar including a weight retention collar;

FIG. 4A is a further enlarged illustration of the second end of theexercise bar including a weight retention collar; and

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the second end of the exercise bar with afree weight held in place on the second end by the removable collar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exercise core bar will now be described in greater detail. Asillustrated in the FIG. 1, the exercise bar includes an elongated rod 1having at least two ends, made of material selected from fiberglass,plastic, wood, rubber, or metal, for example, steel, iron, chromoly,aluminum, magnesium, titanium, die cast metal, etc.

It may have length from one end to the other end that can range from,for example, one foot (30 cm) to four feet (180 cm). It can have acircular cross-section diameter of about 1 inch, but can range from ½inch (2.5 cm) to 2 inches (5 cm). The foregoing measurements, togetherwith other measurements, shapes and dimensions that will be discussed,are to be considered illustrative and not limiting.

The core bar can be covered with a layer of rubber, leather, or plasticor be completely exposed. It can be given a textured surface, such asknurling. The bar can be hollow or solid. The bar can vary in size overits width. Its shape can be straight, or curved, for example, in zigzagsor curved. The cross sectional geometry of the bar can include a circle,a triangle, a rectangle, or other multi-sided pattern.

The core bar can be collapsible from a fully extended position to modifyits length or taken apart for ease of transportation. The means forextending and collapsing of the bar includes well known means, such astwist-locking, screw-on, etc. See U.S. Pat. No. 6,925,686, or Heathcock,et al. or U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,558, Perry et al., which are herebyincorporated by reference.

A first end of the exercise bar can have an integral or separate handle2. The handle can be various shapes including a rod, a sphere, an “L,” a“T,” an “O,” and “I,” a “D” or any type typically found on shovels. Thehandle can be constructed using webbing, chain, metal, plastic, wood,rubber, etc. FIG. 2 illustrates one example of a desired handle. Thehandle can be removable or permanent. The handle includes a firstportion to be gripped by the hand of the user and a second portion whichattaches to the rod.

The means used to attach the handle to the rod can include any knownmethod for attaching two objects together. Preferably the second portionof the handle is in the form of a hollow socket for receiving a firstend of the rod. When the handle is attached to the rod, the socket onthe handle surrounds the first end of the rod such that the handle isrotatably mounted onto the rod. The first end of the rod can include aninterior threaded socket which receives a bolt. The bolt extends throughthe first portion of the handle and is threaded into the socket in therod first end.

The handle shape can be similar to a letter “D” with the curved portionattached to both ends of the straight portion, such as by screws oralternatively welded to the straight portion of the “D” portion of thehandle. The straight portion of the handle may be covered by areplaceable grip made of padding, rubber or other non-slip material. Thelength (axial dimension) of the handle is not considered part of thelength of the bar, as set forth above.

Referring next to FIGS. 3, 4, 4A and 5, the second end of the barincludes weight retention means 3 that can include a weight retentionsleeve 4. The size of the sleeve can range from about is approximately 2inch diameter which is compatible with standard Olympic size weightplates 7, and can range from ½ inch (1.75 cm) to 2 inches (5 cm). It canalso have a conventional removable collar 5.

One end of the sleeve terminates in a flange of preferably 3 inchdiameter which serves as a retention and support for any weight platesplaced on the bar. When a weight is placed on the weight retentionsleeve and the collar thereafter inserted onto the sleeve, the weightsdo not slide along the bar toward the first end. The weight retentionsleeve and collar may have a total axial length of about 6.25 inches,but can have a range of between 4 inches (10 cm) to 24 inches (60 cm).

At the free end of the weight retention sleeve can be a swivel lift ring6 or swivel hook that can rotate a full 360 degrees relative. The swivellift ring can be generally “U” shaped in configuration with the legs ofthe “U” pivotally attached to opposite sides of a first enlarged nut. Athreaded nut extends through this first enlarged nut and into acomplementary threaded socket in the second end of the rod.

A bushing can be located next to the handle or sleeve to reduce frictionand noise. Also, padding can be added next to the collar for the user'scomfort.

The exercise bar may be used in numerous ways for fitness, conditioning,rehabilitation, aerobics, stretching, etc. Weights may be placed on thesecond end of the bar. The bar may be used with an exercise machine,free weights, an exercise apparatus, such as an inflated ball,trampoline, balancing board, sports band, spring, etc., or by itself.The swivel ring may be attached to cable columns (to which weight platesmay be attached) or to rubber cord resistance, etc.

The exercise bar may be used by more than one person, for example, twopersons simultaneously using the bar as when partner training. It can beutilized by the user in any stance, including standing, sitting, prone(belly up), supine (belly down), squatting, etc.

The bar is used generally by gripping the first end with one hand and apoint in between the first and second ends with the other hand. Whenattached to a weight machine or some type of external resistance, thefirst end remains substantially motionless while the weighted end is inmotion. The motion is generally in an angular or horizontal or verticalfashion. This would include exercises such as pushing, pulling, jumping,squatting, twisting, lunging, bending, etc.

When using the bar in the supine position it is used in a pushing,pulling, rotating fashion. While in a prone position the bar can bemanipulated by rolling it over a surface or in a static manner whilepushing or pulling the bar.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended tocover all of the generic and specific features of the invention asdescribed herein, and all statements of the scope of the inventionwhich, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

1. An exercise apparatus comprising a rod, having at least two ends, afirst end having handle means and a second end having at least oneweight retention means.
 2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 furthercomprising the handle means is in a shape selected from the groupconsisting of a T, an L, a D, an O or an I.
 3. The apparatus as setforth in claim 1 further comprising weight retention means is selectedfrom the group consisting of a swivel, a sleeve or a combinationthereof.
 4. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further comprisingthat said apparatus is constructed using a material selected from thegroup consisting of metal, plastic, wood, or combinations thereof. 5.The apparatus as set forth in Claim further comprising attaching thehandle in a detachable manner.
 6. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1further comprising the rod is expandable or collapsible.
 7. Theapparatus as set forth in claim 1 further comprising providing graspingmeans on the bar selected from the group consisting of knurling, foam,rubber or combinations thereof.
 8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1further comprising the handle means and/or weight retention means arerotatably mounted on the rod.
 9. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1further comprising utilizing bushings adjacent to the handle meansand/or weight retention means.
 10. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1further comprising the weight retention means is a sleeve on whichweights can be attached.
 11. A method of exercising using the exerciseapparatus of claim 1 comprising an user gripping the handle means withone hand and gripping the rod at a point in between the handle means andthe at least one weight retention means and moving it in any directionrelative to the user.
 12. The method of exercising of claim 11 furthercomprising attaching the weight retention means to a type of externalresistance selected from the group consisting of a machine, a person,free weights or combination thereof.